The accused Rosario has said that he was unaware that there are licences required for the logging and has agreed to abide by the law and pay the fine as he had no permissions for logging in that area. 

The local people have meanwhile blamed the local panch for turning a blind eye to the logging activity. When the panch was called to the spot she ignored the calls and did not turn up.

“I have constructed small rooms to keep my material safe as I have to carry it all the way from Navelim to Curtorim. It is a misunderstanding that a mosque is being built and I would like to clear it through this letter,” said Rosario.

Herald tried to call the local panch Christalina Rodrigues till late evening but she wasn’t reachable. However other Curtorim panch members defended the panchayat and alleged that people with vested interests were trying to blow the matter out of proportion. 

Vigilant villagers of Curtorim on Thursday had intercepted massive logging activity which was underway in Panchbhat Curtorim.